Neumann TLM 103 Professional Microphone

Everyone knows Neumann makes great mics. What I don't understand is... why did they make this one? Not that it's a bad mic, but because it's a great mic. Yes, I've read all the negative comments on all the audio forums about how "bad" this mic is. So I decided to give one a try, mostly because Al Schmidt said they were great. Well, all I can say is... wow! In fact, I bought a second one to make a pair. Sometimes I need great mics, but I don't want to have to pull out the heavy hitters. Even though my M149s do a fabulous job of course, as well as my U89i's, (another underrated Neumann mic), my pair of TLM103's can get the job done, trust me. All at a price that I think seriously should hurt sales of their more expensive mics. But they decided to enter the lower priced mic market with this offering. It puts quality Neumann sound within reach of small home studios. So why all the bad press? Maybe it's because it only has one pattern, cardioid, which is how most people will use it anyway. So I'm truly dumfounded why many people give it such a bad rap... (bad choice of words...)
The TLM103 is a very hot mic, with lots of gain. It gets slammed for being too bright. Though this may be true in some positions, I've found that proper mic placement can usually make this mic sound right. The problem is... it is too affordable! I think perhaps it usually ends up being used improperly. People who are used to using Shure 57's & 58's need to learn how to use a great recording mic. (BTW; the 57 blows away the 58 IMO.)
Mic placement is a lost art these days. With the advent of affordable gear/software, the recording business is now full of people who need to go back to their day job. Unfortunately, the standards are very low for much of today's music. I really can't listen to most of it because it is complete garbage IMO. But that's another story... for another review.
Bottom line... the TLM103 is a fantastic mic, very well capable of recording great music. But if the music is... "not that great", and of the "fast food" variety that seems to be prevalent today, this mic perhaps reveals too much. Thus, many people just "think" it sounds bad, when actually it may be that they just need to get a real job.
"Want fries with that? "
Peace